“Call-time has renewed my faith in the need for public financing of elections. 'Call-time' is where I as the candidate, sit in a room with my 'call-time manager,' and a phone. Then I call people and ask them for money. For hours. Apparently, I'm really good at it.”

Al Franken is an American comedian and writer from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He gained prominence as a satirist and television host, particularly for his work on *Saturday Night Live* and *Late Night with Al Franken*. Beyond comedy, he is known for his sharp political commentary and advocacy on social issues, blending humor with progressive perspectives.